Throughout their time in the field, educators may become very interested in a specific area of study within the education world. Once they realize that they want to become experts in this area of study, they may want to continue their education and begin Ph. D. or Ed.D. programs.

When research universities in the U.S. first began awarding degrees, they initially focused on the sciences and later, the arts. Demand for professional doctoral degrees outside of the ancient fields of law and medicine grew in the late 19th century, leading universities to begin offering Ph.D. programs.

In 1893, the Teachers College at Columbia University awarded the first Ph.D. in the field of education. As educators began seeking advanced degrees in their field, some universities sought to provide these students with a more applied education, as opposed to the more-common research-focused Ph.Ds.

This led to the creation of Ed.D. programs. Harvard University granted the first Ed.D. degrees in 1921. Over the course of the 20^th century, more universities began offering Ed.D. programs, while others continued to award a Ph.D. in education.

Today’s doctoral students can choose between a research-focused Ph.D. and a more practice-focused Ed.D. program.

Similarities Between These Programs

Both Ph.D. in education and Ed.D. programs are designed to provide a rigorous education system and reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the education field. Doctoral students in education will develop a strong knowledge base and learn about the latest developments in education theory, regardless of the type of degree they pursue.

In both Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs, students are exposed to a range of research methods. Students might also be required to take a class such as research design that helps them focus on their dissertations. Graduates who earn either degree will have an understanding of the latest research in education and will have developed the skills to analyze these findings.

To earn either degree, doctoral candidates must demonstrate the ability to make an original contribution to the study of education. Both Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees are highly respected in the field and open the door to many advancement opportunities.

What is a Ph.D. Degree?

A Ph.D. program in education is a Doctor of Philosophy and the highest academic degree possible. A Ph.D. degree can be obtained across almost all fields of study after completing rigorous coursework.

A Ph.D. program for educators focuses on research, theories, and educational techniques. This program includes coursework on how to become a great researcher, including qualitative and quantitative studies.

A Ph.D. program also includes courses related to ethics, leadership theories, equity and inclusion, and so many more. In addition to those courses, a student will have specialty courses related directly to the program they choose. Educators who decide to get a Ph.D. in special education will have several programs related to that topic. Once, they get to the dissertation phase, their research will be concentrated on an area in special education.

The dissertation is the culmination of any Ph.D. program. This is the original research and findings of the Ph.D. student. The dissertation can take more than a year to complete. Many steps go into completing and defending a dissertation; that is why a person should make sure that they are genuinely passionate about the subject area because they will be digging deep into the research and finding what they can add to the field.

How Does it Differ from an Ed.D?

Depending on an educator’s goal, they may decide that they want to focus on the actual practice rather than the research related to education. If this is the case, they will want to enroll in an Ed.D. degree. An Ed.D is a Doctor of Education. Just like a person with a Ph.D., they will also be referred to as “doctor.”

An Ed.D can typically be completed in about two years, whereas a Ph.D. generally takes four years. Both programs require research, but an Ed.D focuses on implementing theories into practice in the K-12 or college setting.

What are the Benefits of a Ph.D. and Ed.D.?

In addition to becoming an expert in your field by obtaining your Ph.D. or Ed.D., many more benefits will come along once you complete your program. Not only will you now be called “Dr.”, you will open the doors to many new opportunities.

Salary

You may see a salary increase. Some jobs will increase a person’s salary depending on their educational degrees. You may move into a new salary bracket by reaching the highest academic degree possible.

Career/Professional Opportunities

A Ph.D. or Ed.D will provide the educational requirements for specific careers. You can become a superintendent of schools, a director of special education, a provost or vice provost of student services, and the list goes on. You may be asked to write a book based on your research done during the Ph.D. dissertation phase. Before you begin the degree, during, or after, research new jobs and see where your new qualifications might take you.

Professional Development

School districts and universities are always looking to host professional development workshops or series for their employees or outside guests. Having a Ph.D or Ed.D. shows that you are an expert in a particular field.

You will be asked to present and teach others what you have learned or found in your research. These are usually paid opportunities. The more that you present, the higher your compensation will be.

Passion

Finally, deciding to pursue your Ph.D. or Ed.D. will allow you to spend time on a topic you are genuinely passionate about. You will immerse yourself in the research and theories, and become an expert. You will have the time to experiment with your ideas and thoughts in the area. Finally, you will have the opportunity to share your findings with other experts in the field.

Prestige and Credibility

Obtaining your Ph.D. is an amazing goal that not many people in the world reach. You deserve to be proud of yourself and celebrate. You will be looked up to for advice in your field, and you need to recognize yourself as the expert you have become.

Are you interested in pursuing a doctorate in education? Check out our available doctoral graduate programs and take your next step today!

*Updated June 2022

The post Ph.D. vs. Ed.D. for Educators appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

Doctoral Programs in Education: Valuable Skills

The field of education offers two terminal degrees and it is important to understand the differences between the two.

Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education is a theoretically-focused degree that is designed to prepare graduates for research and teaching roles. They focus primarily on contributing to the body of research in the field. No residency is required for this degree and it primarily applies to academia.

Ed.D.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is a more hands-on and practice-oriented degree that is designed to prepare graduates to work in education, government agencies, businesses, or non-profit organizations. This degree focuses on how research is applied to educational practices and requires a residency. Because of its nature, it is applicable to multiple industries.

Regardless of the degree type teachers choose to pursue, they both provide essentially the same technical and soft skills to graduates.

Technical skills include:

• Effective written/oral communication
• Project management
• Organization
• Data analysis
• Problem-solving
• Research management

Soft skills include:

• Leadership
• Patience
• Interpersonal skills
• Tenacity
• Self-management
• Commitment

Additional Job Opportunities

After acquiring advanced degrees, teachers immediately become eligible to apply for a wider range of job opportunities. For positions with crucial responsibilities, many employers prefer candidates with terminal degrees to apply. Having a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in education provides a competitive edge during the job search.

Leadership and Administration Opportunities

In terms of school and district leadership and administration, the Ed.D. degree proves to be more beneficial.

Positions require the skill sets that have been developed by the Ed.D., such as:

• Assistant Principals
• Principals
• District Directors
• Assistant Superintendents
• Superintendents

These professionals must be skilled at high-level problem solving, data analysis, strategic thinking, oral and written communication, and relationship building.

In the PreK-12 arena, the Ph.D. is considered the equivalent to the Ed.D., so graduates with either degree are suited to serve in leadership and administration positions. However, in the post-secondary arena, the Ed.D. is not always considered the equivalent of the Ph.D.

Higher Education Opportunities

Because higher education, and a doctorate in education, emphasizes research and theory, teachers who hold a Ph.D. tend to align closer to the methodology of post-secondary education.

There are several opportunities available to doctoral degree holders in post-secondary education, including:

• Professor/adjunct professor
• Coordinator
• Assistant dean
• Dean
• Provost
• Vice president
• President

These professionals must also be skilled in high-level problem solving, data analysis, strategic thinking, oral and written communication, and relationship building. In addition to these skills, professionals are also required to be skilled at research, statistical analysis, and the publication of white papers, journal articles, and even books.

How to Choose?

Choosing which terminal degree to pursue is a huge decision to make. It often requires consideration of preferences, lifestyles, and finances.

Time

In most cases, Ph.D. degrees require 90 credits of coursework as compared to the Ed.D., which requires at least 60 credits. This can equate to the difference of several months or years in terms of program completion.

This may not be an issue to some, but to others, it very much may. Depending on the amount of time needed to devote to one of these degrees, both your lifestyle and finances may also be impacted.

Lifestyle

In most cases, pursuing terminal degrees may alter a teacher’s lifestyle from its current state for at least three years. This is an adjustment. However, teachers must be mindful to keep certain lifestyle aspects intact even pursuing a degree.

For example, for teachers with young children and other demanding obligations, it may be feasible to enroll in an entirely online doctorate in education or hybrid program. This would eliminate time away from home attending face-to-face class sessions. It is most beneficial for teachers to first reflect on the nuances of their lifestyles and determine what type of program would be a feasible fit for their lifestyles.

Finances

Pursuing a doctoral degree in education can be expensive. Depending on a teacher’s financial situation, it may or may not be wise to accrue student loan debt or to cover expenses out of pocket. Although scholarships and grants will cover the tuition for doctoral coursework, they are not as abundant as those available for bachelor’s and master’s degree coursework.

Tuition and fees for each university may vary tremendously. It is essential for teachers to budget carefully for these expenses ahead of time. It is also essential to be aware of the fees associated with dissertation work and graduation. Normally, teachers would need to hire a professional editor for the dissertation and purchase doctorate-level graduation regalia.

Advancing one’s career is never an easy decision, but it is always a necessary one. As lifelong learners, teachers should always strive to reach beyond the pinnacle of academic success. Students are greatly empowered when they see how hard their teachers work to grow professionally.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore our available doctorate degree in education programs and get started today!

*Updated June 2022

The post How Teachers Can Advance Their Careers with a Doctorate in Education appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.